More funny laws

When put in perspective this law isn't really funny, but in today's world, it seems kind of amusing.

"Be it ordained by the Mayor, Aldermen and Inhabitants of the City of Houston, That from and after the 31st day of December, 1867, it shall not be lawful for the owners of hogs, sows, pigs, or goats to suffer or permit the same to go at large in the limits of the City."

Violating that ordinance could cause the animals to be destroyed "or disposed of by the City Marshal in any manner he may see fit."

The city marshal (sort of like a police chief) was "hereby ordered, from and after this ordinance shall have taken effect, to speedily kill or dispose of all hogs, sows, pigs or goats found going at large within the city limits."

In addition to losing your goat, you could be fined $5 ($66 in today's money) for each animal found loose.

Another law -- passed in 1905 -- had to do with ogling women.

"That hereafter any male person in the City of Houston who shall stare at, or make what is commonly called 'goo-goo eyes' at, or in any other manner look at or make remarks to or concerning, or cough or whistle at, or do any other act to attract the attention of any woman or female person upon or traveling along any of the sidewalks, streets, or public ways in the City of Houston, with the intent or in a manner calculated to annoy, or to attempt to flirt with any such woman or female person, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor..."

A violation would bring a fine of not more than $100. What cost $100 in 1905 would cost $2164 in 2006.

The 'goo-goo eyes' law was on the books up through the 1950s.